Since everyone else reports on the same handful of country stars, I thought I’d introduce y’all to some newer faces in country music!

Of course the country music industry is all abuzz with the recent 2008 CMA Nominees announcements, and everyone is hemming and hawing over acts like Sugarland, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, and George Strait. I mean, It’s big news, with household names and those names grab readers. But I want to take a moment to introduce you to (or remind you of) some names you’ll hear plenty of in the coming year!

First on my roster is young crooner Mindy Smith. Mindy is currently working on a followup album to her debut “One Moment More“. Mindy’s voice is clear and strong and her heart spills out into the songs that she both writes and performs. While Mindy’s not a household name yet, with the help of country music legend Dolly Parton, I’m sure it won’t take long. Not long ago Mindy Smith had the honor of performing Dolly’s classic “Jolene” on the “Just because I’m a Woman” tribute album. Dolly’s reaction: “Even though Mindy is still young and new to the music business, I believe she will leave her mark as one of our greatest writers and singers ever,” says Dolly Parton, “‘Jolene’ has been done many times by many artists,including me, but Mindy’s version is my favorite. I wish her all the best.”

Next in the rockin country rollcall is an unexpected duo from Tennessee. Joey and Rory surprised judges along with the rest of America when they appeared on CMT’s Can You Duet with their solid sound and old-country charm. But what won the world over to Joey and Rory is the only thing more universal than music. Love. Their obvious affection and endearment for each other was something cameras gravitated towards, taking the viewers along for the ride. It almost makes this video for “Cheater, cheater” seem like a playful joke! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, look out Tim and Faith, cause these guys are authentic!

Something you’ll find with both of these artists is that the next wave of rising country stars seems to have a nostalgic tone. We’re finding more reliance on voice and instruments and less on studio-produced pop sound. My opinion is that it’s about time!